Indiana History, Geography, Population, State Facts

Great Seal of the State of
Indiana

Adopted in 1963.

Versions of this pioneer scene have been used on Indiana
seals since territorial days. They are found on official
papers as early as 1801. A seal was provided for in both the
1816 and 1851 state constitutions. The 1963 General Assembly
gave legal sanction to this design and provided an official
description (IC 1-2-4). The elements are a woodsman,
buffalo, sycamore trees, hills and a setting sun; leaves of
the state tree are in the border design.

First explored for France by Robert Cavelier, Sieur de la Salle, in 16791680,
the region figured importantly in the Franco-British struggle for North America
that culminated with British victory in 1763. George Rogers Clark led American
forces against the British in the area during the Revolutionary War and, prior
to becoming a state, Indiana was the scene of frequent Indian uprisings until
the victories of Gen. Anthony Wayne at Fallen Timbers in 1794 and Gen. William
Henry Harrison at Tippecanoe in 1811.

During the 19th century, Indiana was the site of several experimental communities, including
those established by George Rapp and Robert Owen at New Harmony.